Children's book is brought to life

Tuesday

Jun 24, 2014 at 2:48 PMJun 24, 2014 at 2:48 PM

Staff report

Hope Summer Repertory Theatre’s Children’s Performance Troupe presents “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” a musical adaptation of the hallmark children’s picture book by Judith Viorst.Featuring an ensemble cast and several memorable songs, including “Shoes,” “Australia” and “If I Were in Charge of the World,” this playful musical will bring Alexander’s first-grade woes to life for children and their parents. “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” will perform in rotating repertory at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Friday and Monday, and July 2, 21, 25, 30, and Aug. 4 and 8, as well as at 1:30 p.m. July 23, 28 and Aug. 1 and 6.“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” tells the story of one day when everything seems to go wrong for Alexander, beginning with the moment he wakes up with gum stuck in his hair.“It’s something that kids can relate to,” said Bradley Hamilton, the actor playing Alexander. “We all have days that are no fun. You have to go to the dentist, and then they don’t have the shoes you want, and it’s one of those days where nothing seems to go right. It appeals to kids.”Director Daina Robins notes that, while “Alexander” is geared toward young audiences, with “live songs and choreography helping to tell the story in a vivid and theatrical way,” the musical carries a message to people of all ages. “Alexander's story is a fun and funny reminder that we can all have those kinds of awful days,” Robins said. “It can encourage us to sympathize with someone who is having one of those bad days — and it can help us to not take ourselves and our little mishaps too seriously.” The resulting production is one which “kids of all ages” should enjoy.Playing the role of Alexander is Bradley Hamilton, who recently received his B.A. in theater from Hope College. Joining him for this show in the role of Mother is Shannon Huneryager. Shannon earned her BA from Butler University, followed by an MM from the University of Massachusetts. Playing opposite her in the role of Father is Joshua Kumler, who is returning to HSRT for his second year. Joshua has just completed his BFA at Southern Methodist University.The supporting ensemble includes Aleksandr Krapivkin, Theo Zucker, Ellie Campbell and Evan Adams.Robins is returning to HSRT, having previously directed numerous shows for the company, including “A Light in the Piazza” and “Songs for a New World.” Daina is the chair of theatre department at Hope College, as well as a founding member of Double Edge Theatre in Massachusetts.The production team for “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” includes scenic designer Ana Maria Aburto, lighting designer Robert Babcock, costume designer Kaitlyn Pitcher, sound designer Josh McCammon, stage manager Isabelle Rund, managing director Rich Perez and production manager Rachel Hasse.Individual tickets are now on sale at the DeWitt Ticket Office, 141 E. 12th St, which is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and, beginning June 15, on Saturdays from noon until intermission. The college’s downtown ticket office, at 100 E. 8th Street, is also open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. All tickets are $15 for General Seating. Patrons can also purchase individual tickets online by visiting hope.edu/hsrt or calling (616) 395-7890.Ticket options also include season ticket packages, which save patrons up to 38 percent off individual ticket prices. Season Ticket Packages are available now at both ticket office locations. In addition, the Children’s Performance Troupe offers the Children’s Pass Package, intended for children younger than 12, which includes a ticket to both CPT performances and one ticket to a main stage musical for only $30. Also available is the Adult CPT Package, which offers tickets to both CPT performances and one main stage performance for $46. For information on all the ticket packages available and prices, visit hope.edu/hsrt.